Chinyere MbamaluDirector of Accountability Research & Response| NYC Department of Social Services New York, Ny, United States
Today's episode of Projectified with PMI discussed career movement between different sectors. One of the guests moved from healthcare to transportation with no prior transportation experience but had transferable skills.
What are your thoughts about project managers changing careers between industries?
Yes .I agree with Rami and Sante points. PMP helps to add value to the resume and provides networking opportunities and validates your dedication to the job . Saving Changes...
Anton OosthuizenSenior Business Analyst / Project Manager| Self EmployedPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
I have to confess that PMP has not helped me when changing jobs, well not as far as I'm aware. Since the certification is generic it won't have any bearing on a move from one domain to the other. I think it has more to do with those 'transferable' skills such as people management, risk management, planning, etc. Also being adaptable is important. I've spent over two decades in one industry and then moved to one that has not commonalities whatsoever. I used those transferable skills while learning the industry. Saving Changes...
Joseph PanganSenior Principal Consultant| Genpact PhilippinesAngeles City, Philippines, Philippines
I moved from banking to healthcare and now to workforce management.It is quite a challenge to move from one industry to another as substantial exposure in the industry is almost always a requirement. It is doable though.
Does having a PMP give a competitive edge? The PMP or equivalent certifications are almost always on PM job postings as part of the requirements or at least part of the desirable credentials and having at least one could potentially get you booked for an interview. These will not get you the job though. How you perform in the interview is what will potentially get you the job. Saving Changes...
PMP is usually a must but not enough. Changing industry is easier when it comes to transferable skills, however, technical background, knowledge, education in the new industry would be a challenge. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
I changed industries often as project manager. The key is that trust is the base to perform in new industry. I found the major challenges are not technical but cultural.
Listen, learn and convey a willingness to help. Apply good problem solving competencies. Decrease insecurity.
The PMP has different benefits: - it might help to get a job and a higher salary - if the employer has a base understanding about project management - it creates an understanding about the essence of project management, which gives you self-confidence and may elevate you as a professional (I saw several people leave their job after PMP because they could not stand the inmaturity) Saving Changes...
Chinyere MbamaluDirector of Accountability Research & Response| NYC Department of Social Services New York, Ny, United States
Thank you all for your great and insightful contributions! Saving Changes...
Gordon AlexanderSenior Principal - Global Programme Director| IndepndentChelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom
Hi Chinyere,
As a baseline I have changed industries several times from HM Forces to Oil and Gas, Banking, Telecomms, Consulting all focused on the IT project/programme management and the transitions were always the same. I was told that each area was more complicated than the last but found them mostly with similar challenges. Oil and Gas was a lot about maintaining the data to keep oil flowing if you fail the rigs would have to be closed down (lots of cost) and peoples lives could be at risk, Banking if you get it wrong billions could be delayed with penalties etc.
The cultural differences were around these areas and what would happen if you made a mistake. Although this is an industry change it was always in IT. Not sure how it would go moving from a technical (IT role) to construction for example.
Having PMP helps getting you through the selection as the HR Robots (the systems they use to parse all of the CV's who have applied) will search for key words like PMP or Prince2, Agile etc which you can read from the details on the Job spec. Saving Changes...
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